Olympus has hit the price/performance sweet spot with this camera. It’s no wonder it is setting a new standard for the Olympus filmless digital camera product line. This 4x professional f2.0-2.4, 9-36mm zoom lens is fully multi-coated to provide high-quality images. Further aiding in providing excellent image reproduction are the Extra Dispersion (ED) glass lens and two High Index Low Dispersion elements, helping to reduce chromatic aberrations for a clearer and sharper image. Features designed for the avid photographer and professional include raw data capture mode, manual focus, a dual auto-focus system, and newly designed camera controls.

What’s good about this camera: terrific image quality, great lens (f2.0-f2.6!), all the control you could want (white balance, focus, zoom, exposure, flash), support for compact flash and smart media, and ability to take up to 4 shots in rapid succession, easy upload of images to a PC, Adobe Photoshop LE included and good battery life on Olympus NiMH AA batteries.

The camera functions well in program mode, but immediate image review on the camera enables you to use more control if you don’t get the shot you need. I never managed to run the Olympus AA NiMH batteries (purchased separately) flat during a day’s shooting, so camera power consumption seems to be excellent — short battery life is a killer for many digital cameras.

It has a great zoom range, and as the camera was designed for digital from the ground up there are none of the multiplying effects of film cameras converted for digital use (e.g. Canon D30). Oh ya, and a good camera!

Nikon is proud to announce the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) D3X digital SLR camera! Joining the award-winning 12.1-megapixel D3, the D3X brings extreme resolution performance to Nikon professional flagship-level D-SLRs.

Images with the X factor
The D3X reaps the benefits of the very latest developments in sensor design and image processing technology.

Nikon Extreme Digital SLR Image Quality
In the studio or on location, the D3X faithfully captures NEF (RAW) files that, when processed, are approximately 138 MB!

Nikon Professional D-SLR System Synergy
Nikon engineers understand that the needs of professional photographers vary with their assignments.

More Nikon D3X Highlights

Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
Large 5.49µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.

Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.

138 MB1 Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.

Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600
Added ISO settings of Lo-1 ISO 50, Hi-1 ISO 3200 and Hi-2 ISO 6400 extend versatility.

Fast, accurate 51-point AF system
AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.

3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor
Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review. Nikon Picture Control

Product Description
The Nikon D3X -meticulously engineered for professional assignments that demand nothing less than extreme 24.5-megapixel, FX-format image performance. In the studio or on location, the D3X faithfully captures NEF (RAW) files that, when processed, exceed 138 MB. Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing technologies support extremely low-noise and faster, more accurate 51-point autofocus with 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking. Responsive handling and more top off the D3X’s professional potency.

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Highlights

Extraordinary Nikon image quality The D40’s high-resolution image quality is made possible by Nikon’s high-performance 6.1 megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive Nikon image processing engine which assures stunning sharpness and color. 2.5-inch color LCD monitor with 3 colorful display options Playback images are easy to see, and function menus are easier to use with a larger and brighter color LCD monitor. Pictures are beautiful. 6MP from a DSLR will blow the doors off a 6,7,8MP compact or even DSLR-like cameras. The D40 is a great all around camera.

High-performance 6.1-megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor Nikon’s DX format CCD image sensor delivers vivid color and sharp detail, great for making beautifully detailed enlargements of 16 x 20 inches and beyond. In-camera image editing Highly versatile in-camera editing features include Nikon D-Lighting, Red-Eye Correction, Image Trimming, Image Overlay, Monochrome (Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype) along with Skylight, Warm Tone and Color Balance filter effects.
New advanced HELP menu system with Assist Images The D40’s newly introduced “assist images” help you select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting as well as an advanced HELP Menu for the current item selected.

Fast, accurate 3-area Autofocus The D40’s advanced 3-area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise autofocus.

Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL automatic flash control Nikon’s innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results.

Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S/AF-I Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S and AF-I type lenses. I’m not sure why Nikon choose this route for the D40 (whether to enable smaller size camera or from now on Nikon will only make AF-S lens compatible camera). About the 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens: A good lens producing sharp photos (though not a very fast lens). Lens uses internal focus technology and focusing operation is silent. A very decent kit lens.

I’ve had a bunch of digital cameras , Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Fuji, Sony 3ccd HiDef, Canon XL1 etc. The D40 is a superb camera for beginners or even semi-experienced enthusiasts, or as a second camera.

If you want to buy this camera, click this picture :